A Note from Pastor Leslie

I have long guessed that my Facebook feed probably looks quite a bit different from your Facebook feed. I’ve lost count now of the number of times this has come across my feed this week and, each time, I’ve been grateful to read it:

When you hear clergy strongly encouraging you to attend the services of Holy Week, it’s not just because they like to see more people in the pews, or it’s good for their egos, or they want parishioners to see how much effort goes into these liturgies.



It’s because they believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the transforming power of the Christian faith. It’s because they love you and want nothing more than for you to have such a moving encounter with our Lord, that it will change your life. It’s an invitation rooted in profound love, and a recognition that there is literally nothing more important in the entire world than to participate fully as we collectively journey from the Upper Room to Calvary to the Empty Tomb.

I could not have written it better myself. I hope you’ll come out tonight to the Maundy Thursday Service. I hope that you will sit in our darkening sanctuary and hear, in word and in song, the story of Christ’s sacrifice for you and for me. I hope you will taste the bread and the juice and experience the incredible grace we receive in the invitation. I hope you will walk out in silence, carrying with you the weight of Christ’s love for you. 

And then I hope you are with us on Sunday morning when, against all odds and beyond all reasonable hope, the tomb will be empty once again. I promise- it’s a journey you won’t forget.

Holy Week is Here!

The Worship Committee here at FPC has prepared another wonderful week of activities during this Holy Week meant to deepen your spirituality and enhance your celebration of the Resurrection. Tonight is our Maundy Thursday Service to help us prepare for a joyous Easter Morning!

Thursday, March 28^th, at 6:00 p.m.—Maundy Thursday

At this special evening service, share with the disciples in the Last Supper and hear the powerful story of the crucifixion in word and song. As we leave the service, you’ll be invited to drop the nail provided into a metal bucket as we listen to the echo of Christ’s sacrifice through the centuries.

Sunday, March 31^st, beginning at 9:30 a.m.—Easter Sunday

Begin your day with breakfast with your church family, complete with an Easter Egg Hunt for all kids and grandkids! Worship will celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord with bells and with brass as we boldly proclaim that Christ Is Risen, Christ Is Risen, Indeed!

One Great Hour of Sharing

The One Great Hour of Sharing will be received Easter morning during worship. Each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing supports efforts to relieve hunger through the Presbyterian Hunger Program, promote development through the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, and assist in areas of disaster through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

Called Congregational Meeting

There will be a brief called Congregational Meeting on Sunday, April 14, following worship for the purpose of approving updated terms of call for Rev. Roper.

Presbyterian Women's Spring 2024 Gathering

PW is planning to attend the Spring Gathering at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center on Saturday, April 13. We will depart from First Presbyterian at 7:45 a.m. At the Gathering, items will be collected for Ferncliff's PDA Center 'Clean Up Buckets'. The cost is $25.00 per person and the deadline to register is April 1. For a registration form, click here. For a list of supplies needed, click here. The registration form and supply list can also be found on the table in the hallway outside of the Sanctuary.

First Pres Carpool

The Christian Discipleship committee is wanting to survey the congregation to see if there are any members willing to transport a member who does not drive at night and are missing out on Family Night Supper and other evening church meetings or events. If you are willing to give a member a ride, please email the church at office@firstpreshotsprings.org or call Tammy at the church office 501-624-5646. 

WW Game Day

The Christian Discipleship would like to know if there is anyone in the church that would be interested in starting a game day for Widows and Widowers. Please contact the church office if you have ideas, know people that might be interested, and any suggestions for starting this type of activity at our church are appreciated.

Mystery Member of the Week!

In case you didn't know, this week's mystery member is Jan Meyers. Think we can get her to do a performance for us on skis? (wink, wink) Watch for next week's newsletter as we will have asked another church member 8 questions about themselves. Happy sleuthing!!

(If you are asked to be a "Mystery Member", please keep in mind that it is okay if there are some people that may guess who you are. The purpose is for people that don't know you, to learn about you, and the ones that do know you, to learn something new.)

1.      Where were you born?

E. Palestine, OH

2.      What was your first job?

Water Ski Show Performer

3.      What is your favorite vacation spot?

New York City

4.      What movie or television show could you watch again and again?

I Love Lucy and any Charlie Dickens Movies

5.      What hidden talent do you have?

Resourceful

6.      What was your favorite subject in school?

English

7.      What skill would you most want to wake up tomorrow and be able to do?

Sing

8.      Why do you love First Presbyterian Church?

I love everything about FPC. The smallness, closeness and intimacy of the church. It feels like home; my heart is here.